Endorsements

I am privileged to express my wholehearted support for Councilwoman Michael Cherry’s reelection campaign to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Tribal Council. Though not a tribal member myself, I have had the distinct pleasure of witnessing Councilwoman Cherry’s unwavering commitment to her community in our work together through Partners Aligned Toward Housing Solutions (PATHS). This tribal/city/county partnership focuses solutions on the unique needs of those experiencing housing instability in the rural areas of Polk and parts of Yamhill counties.

Councilwoman Cherry consistently demonstrates exceptional service and collaborative leadership in her work representing the people of Grand Ronde. Her passion and commitments are rooted in the rich heritage of her people and extend toward a bright future for all who call Grand Ronde home.

- Jeremy Gordon, Polk County Commissioner

Michael is a truly dedicated, insightful leader with a heart for our people. She Shows up. She is a hard working Tribal professional who leads work sessions, and works for change for our elders and our children. She is smart and hardworking. She does her homework. Comes to work sessions prepared to make progress.

She is doing the work our people need to protect what we have today and build our Tribe in a sustainable way.

A true leader who is hard working, lives her integrity and understands the hard work that needs to be done. hayu masi for all that you do for our people Michael.

- Kathleen George, Grand Ronde Tribal Council Member

I whole heartedly endorse Michael Cherry for Tribal Council. Michael has been one of the most active, engaged, knowledgeable, and educated tribal leaders I have witnessed in my 11 years on council and my 22 years working for the tribe. She is professional, respectful and serves all members in her decisions. Michael is truly an asset to the tribal council and our membership. Vote Michael Cherry for Tribal Council.

- Denise Harvey, Grand Ronde Tribal Council Member

Michael’s life and career have almost always centered around the Grand Ronde community. She brings a lifetime of knowledge and yet often unexpected viewpoints and considerations to many of her decisions. She has been a very pleasant surprise as a Council member.

- Chris Mercier, Grand Ronde Tribal Council Vice-Chairman

Serving on Tribal Council with Michael Cherry for the last two years has been an honor. I can always count on her for a healthy and productive conversation. Her knowledge of our Tribe and community is invaluable to the work Tribal Council does.

- Brenda Tuomi, Grand Ronde Tribal Council Member

I am endorsing Michael Cherry for many reasons. 1) I have personally witnessed her when representing the Grand Ronde Tribe at outside conferences and meetings. She is a great leader and asks very good questions to ensure our Tribe is represented and heard when at the table. She always shows up, she is putting in the work. Michael is highly educated and knows what she's doing. I am so proud of her and my family will be supporting Michael 100%

- Ann Lewis, Grand Ronde Tribal Elder

To whom it may concern: I had the honor of working with Michael Cherry several years ago in the social services department when she served as a children's service protection worker for the Tribe, and knew her during the time she worked in developing the tribal gaming enterprise. I was always impressed with her tremendous work ethic and was glad thereto see her elected to a tribal council position. I highly recommend that she continue as a valued elected representative of the tribe.

- John Spence, PhD

I’ve known Michael Cherry since I helped open Spirit Mountain Lodge in late 1998. During that time, I’ve known her to be a smart, thoughtful and compassionate woman, with both a pragmatic and aspirational mindset.

Michael cares deeply for her CTGR community and has shown a deep respect for the current tribal leadership as well as those that have set the foundation for the success that the tribe enjoys today. But, while she respects all that has happened in the past and currently, she also has a clear vision for the future of her Tribe.

By using a clear perspective of the past, a generous work ethic as well as a commitment to generations to come, Michael will provide a clear-eyed foresight and a great addition to Tribal Council.

- Mark Holland, National Director of Supply Chain at SuiteAmerica

I write today to support the candidacy of Michael Cherry for Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

I first met Michael through her family when she was still a high school student. Her mother, Candy, was and still is a personal friend of mine as well as one of the early Tribal Council members in the post Restoration but pre-Reservation days. From many interactions with her family and conversations with her, I realized Michael had a strong commitment to improving the lives of her people. Even as a High School student she was curious about the tribe’s efforts for reestablishing their reservation and recreating a home for many people forced to leave during termination. It was unusual to hear a member so young yet so concerned about the future of her Tribe. Particularly at a time when there was a well-financed and organized local effort against the Tribe’s efforts to establish a Reservation.

Over the years Michael never lost that concern but turned it into a personal commitment to build her own capacity to learn and increase her abilities and awareness of the many issues facing her Tribe so she could play a part in their future. Michael always understood the value of public service.

After High School Michael went on to college and raised her children along the way all the while working for her Tribe in a variety of positions until reaching her current management position. She not only talked about helping her Tribe, but she also lived it.

A lot has changed for her Tribe and Michael has been a part of the change from the beginning. Most of the old people who played such important roles in the early years after Restoration are gone and like all things in life there is a time when the younger generation steps up to fulfill their responsibilities to their Tribe. Michael knows that and now is interested in serving in a more direct capacity as a Tribal Council member.

Honestly, I can’t think of many people who could do what Michael has done and based on her history of personal drive and commitment to her Tribe and family I expect she will be a formidable warrior and defender of her people.

Therefore, it is my honor and a great pleasure to encourage support for Michael’s candidacy. I know she will be a thoughtful, respectful and considerate leader who will always put the interests of her Tribe before all others.

- Jim Willis, Jim Willis Consulting

As a former, long-term employee at Spirit Mountain Casino, I would like to personally and professionally endorse Michael Cherry’s candidacy for Grand Ronde Tribal Council. I have known Michael for more than 16 years and hired her to oversee the Players’ Club at Spirit Mountain Casino. Not only is she smart, energetic and a natural leader; she has a passion, openness and determination that is unparalleled. Her wisdom and high character stem from her unselfishness and deference to listen and empathize. She’s fair and carefully reviews all sides before making a decision. She’s proactive and goal-oriented and is most effective coalescing and motivating others in a team environment. Michael has never sought special treatment or privileges. She insists on earning respect through hard work and is humble enough to know each day brings new learning experiences. I encourage Grand Ronde tribal members to discover what I did when I helped hire her at the casino 16 years ago: We simply became better every day with Michael being a leader in Marketing.

- Greg Fritz, Marketing Director, Legends Casino Hotel (Yakama Nation)

It’s been my privilege to directly supervise Michael Cherry in her role as Players Club Manager at Spirit Mountain Casino. I use the term ‘supervise’ because that’s what the org chart said but Michael is one of those rare individuals that exhibits such superior work ethics, leadership skills, communication skills, and team building talents, that she needed no ‘supervision’.

I highly endorse this talented and capable individual for any endeavor she tackles. No one will be disappointed in the job she does!

- Keith Young, Marketing Director, Jena Choctaw Pines Casino

Michael is one of those rare people who successfully combines attention to detail, a creative view of the big picture, and compassionate leadership. During my tenure at Spirit Mountain, Michael managed the customer service aspects of the business, helping employees develop their skills and consistently focusing on value to tribal members, providing opportunities for personal growth and financial stability. Michael will be an outstanding resource and partner as a member of the tribal council.

- Toby O'Brien, Independent Consultant